New plan to deliver high-quality PE and sport for all pupils

The government has published a new two-year plan to improve equal access and the quality of PE and sport in schools for all pupils. 

The School Sport and Activity Action Plan will support teachers and schools to deliver two hours of high-quality PE every week and provide competitive and extra-curricular opportunities to both girls and boys.

The government has said that this is set to encourage more children to follow in the footsteps of their heroes.

New guidance also published today, alongside the action plan, includes details of the digital tool to help schools spend their allocation of the PE and Sport Premium to the advantage of pupils. 

The government stated that headteachers can use this money to improve teacher training, offer more opportunities for pupils to take part in competitions and expand the range of sports on offer at school. 

Education secretary, Gillian Keegan, said:   “As another nail-biting British summer of sport continues, with Markéta Vondroušová winning her first grand slam at Wimbledon, Heather Knight leading the women’s cricket team through the Ashes and our inspirational Lionesses still having all to play for in the World Cup, it’s so important our next generation not only see their heroes but have the opportunities to emulate them. 

“Our School Sport and Activity Action Plan sets out how we will support schools to make sure girls and boys alike have those same great opportunities.  

“Today’s plan crystalises our commitment to equal access to all sports and two hours of PE per week, and will help instil a lifelong passion for sport and fitness in each and every young person.” 

The FA’s director of women’s football, Baroness Sue Campbell, said: “We welcome the publication of the School Sport and Activity Action Plan, and the government’s unequivocal statement that PE and sport are a vital part of what makes a good school.

“The Lionesses have inspired a new generation of girls to play football, and we are pleased that the plan will provide support to schools to deliver equal access and a minimum of two hours per week of PE.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the government on implementation, so that we can deliver real change on the ground for schoolchildren across the country.”

Guidance will be published later this year to support in the delivery of equal access and two hours of PE per week. 

With support from national governing bodies and other sporting organisations, the government said it will identify schools that offer equal access for girls to sport during the school day and additional extracurricular activities. 

This guidance will include case-studies outlining examples of good practice to support teachers and senior leaders in delivering good PE and sport in schools.

The government said it will also share new resources and findings from targeted programmes that support children with special educational needs and disabilities and encourage competition and leadership opportunities for girls. 

Youth Sport Trust CEO, Ali Oliver, said: “There is much we welcome in this action plan, not least the clear unequivocal statement, PE and sport is integral to what makes an excellent school. The significant commitment to investment, alongside clear expectations and accountability is much needed.  

“However, we believe this should only be seen as the first step – less than half of children and young people meet the Chief Medical Officers guidance of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day; which impacts on their physical and mental health, as well as progress and achievement in the classroom.  

“The Youth Sport Trust stands ready, alongside partners to work with schools and the government over the longer term to increase opportunities for activity throughout the school day, ensure equal access, and develop an understanding children learn better when they are active.” 

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